Beyond the Basics: Untapped Potential with Thermal Spray Innovations
There is a wide range of thermal spray applications that are commonly known:
- Corrosion protection for bridges
- Dimensional restoration of diesel engine blocks and heads
- Thermal barrier coatings on aerospace turbine blades
- CP titanium and hydroxyapatite bone growth alloys for medical implants
- Ceramic materials for electrical insulation applications
- and the list goes on…
There are lesser-known and highly interesting application for thermal spray. One is in the food industry to maintain quality and ensure longevity of special containers.
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In the video above, we share a semi-automated thermal spray approach for a unique application. It is used to coat weld seams on the inside of olive oil barrels to ensure that iron oxide does not form and contaminate the olive oil. But that’s just one innovative example of how thermal spray can be used in the food industry.
Thermal spray coatings offer a variety of applications. Mainly because of their ability to provide wear resistance, corrosion protection, and improved surface properties. While olive oil barrels are a great example, several other food application ideas include:
Food processing plants: Wet and slippery metal steps and catwalks in food processing plants are hazardous. Safety is improved from spraying stainless anti-skid coatings on surfaces that require traction for walking.
Mixers and Grinders: The paddles face abrasion from mixing the ingredients of processed foods. (Not all food processing is bad for your health). Carbide and molybdenum thermal spray coatings reduce wear, ensuring a longer operational life.
Refrigeration Units: These units can be coated to prevent corrosion, especially in environments where they’re exposed to moisture or certain aggressive food products.
Packaging Machinery: Machinery involved in packaging often has wear issues with spun bearings and damaged shafts. Having thermal spray equipment along with an in-house machine shop reduces down time and repair costs. You can make your maintenance personal heroes when they rapidly rebuild damaged components on site.
Silos and Storage Tanks: Large storage units, especially those storing liquids or products that can ferment, might need coatings to prevent internal corrosion and ensure product quality.
Cooking pans: Thermal spray coatings can be used as a bond coat for non-stick PTFE or other polymer coatings.
And those are just a few examples.
The list is long, and that’s what we’re here to do. To help you in the food industry, or any industry, with real world solutions.
At Thermal Spray Depot, you have a partner at the forefront of this transformative process, ensuring your products meet the highest industry standards.
Here are some reasons to consider an automated or semi-automated thermal spray approach in the food industry specifically:
Combine Efficiency with Automation
Automated food processing systems have become a necessity in large-scale production. The right coatings play a crucial role in these systems’ efficiency. Improved efficiency results in less material used for producing the coating.
Redeploy Manpower
Automation reduces the man-hour requirements for the spray operators. This is a unique opportunity to redeploy those saved man-hours to other areas of the manufacturing process.
The same automated technology that sprays bridges and infrastructure can be used in the food industry, or any other industry, for that matter.
Our thermal spray technologies are adaptable and can be integrated seamlessly into existing production lines. Whether you’re looking to speed up processes, minimize downtime, or enhance equipment durability, Thermal Spray Depot is equipped to help you customize solutions that drive results.
Partnering for Progress
At Thermal Spray Depot, we don’t just offer a service; we provide a partnership.
Our team collaborates with yours, understanding your specific needs, challenges, and goals. Together, we’ll strategize, innovate, and execute plans that will elevate your production standards and solidify your place at the pinnacle of the food manufacturing industry.
To discuss how Thermal Spray Depot can revolutionize your coating production strategies, reach out today. Let’s start a conversation of innovation, efficiency, and unparalleled quality together.
Call Bob McDemus “The Thermal Spray Guy” at 724-229-5791